Software Engineer Review

I am a software engineer working for Atos IT services. I work primarily with back end systems that help run several financial accounts essential to UK Government operations. I perform development activities, system's analysis and technical architecture. I also spend time with clients, helping them realise requirements and business needs.

I have primarily developed existing skills, these include database development and SQL coding, networking, object design and programming, as well as general communication skills and my ability to work as part of a team and to work with clients creating business solutions. I have developed a few new skills, however, including web technologies and Machine Learning.

I have enjoyed the programme quite a bit over the last 4 years. All in all, I feel the modules have been fun, educational, and informative. The module leaders have been informative, bringing real-world experience and example to the workshops. The Covid crisis did impact the course to some extent, but I was impressed by how QA handled the sudden shift in learning.

Again, I believe QA has performed well considering the Covid pandemic. The courses continued to run, and workshops were held digitally. I have had some problems where modules I wanted to take were not available nearer the time, which I can understand, however I was not made aware of this until very near the start of each module, making the task of choosing a replacement more difficult.

Some, I was given time to do the work as required, but I rarely heard from anyone in the business regarding my development. I believe this is in part due to me being a very independent learner, but I would have appreciated a bit more involvement or interest from the organisation.

Meetings with my skills couch were frequent (though they were moved to remote before the pandemic to save cost). Module leaders were attentive, and they made greater effort to involve all members of the group in discussions and to ask questions. There was a strong group dynamic at many of the module workshops that was facilitated by QA.

As with any degree and course, there will be elements that do not apply 100% to my position, this is to be expected. I feel that the majority of the course could be applied to my workplace and day to day activities that I perform. Some modules, while seemingly unrelated at the start, developed as time went on and taught me skills I didn't know could be applied to my position.

While Covid has made this more difficult, there is a distinct lack of activities within Atos. While it is keen to promote networking events, these should be balanced with more social and relaxed events, of which there are few (arguably none for some people in the business). While I do not expect Atos to provide these as an employer, I do not have a frame of reference for comparison.

No

A very stressful environment, with little time taken by the company to address mental health. I have had several situations over the last 24 months where little was done to help me. While I enjoy the work, Atos has a lot of problems, with staff morale being particularly low at the moment. Benefits are poor and few, staff are often expected to work several months on long projects without respite, and "events" are almost unheard of.

The work can be regarding, but it is a demanding environment. Atos look for hard work, commitment, but also a flexible approach to working. They pride themselves on being a jack-of-all-trades type of organisation, able to morph and change its offering to suit the customer's needs. Overall, I feel it is very much alike to other large organisations.